Being a product of  “Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition,” Gerald Anderson should know what to say when it comes to staying inside Kuya’s house. His advice to PBB aspirants is “Be yourself, have fun!”

Ironically, Gerald didn’t win in the first PBB Teen Edition, but his loveteam mate Kim Chiu was the big winner. Nevertheless, with his good looks, talent and wholesome image, he became popular and is now one of ABS-CBN Star Magic’s most prized and successful young stars.

Gerald, who turned 20 last March 7, said during an intimate dinner gathering with some members of the entertainment press (held at the 8th floor of Torre Venezia along Timog Ave., Quezon City)  “I really feel so blessed kasi 20 lang ako pero may bahay na, may kotse na, may consistent na trabaho…” His new house in Quezon City is worth R7 million more or less, and Gerald also wants to someday buy his sister a “small house” of her own. Gerald has three other siblings.

He has indeed gone a long way, from being a back-up dancer to the young matinee idol that he has become. Did you know that it was Joross Gamboa who discovered Gerald? But the latter seems to be more popular now than the former.

 He also has some endorsement projects but no, he won’t allow himself to show some skin in his billboards because he wants to retain his wholesome image. Gerald is celebrity endorser for Smart, Close Up, Bench, Whisper, Unisilver and Glamlab Fragrances. He is also being sponsored by Faces and Curves, Converse, AE Skymaster Eyewear and Sr. Steve Marck Gan Dental Services.

Other things to know
about Gerald
 
His full name is Gerald Randolph Anderson, Jr. and he dreamt of becoming a professional basketball player, having idolized Michael Jordan ever since he was small. But this dream took a back seat when he entered Bahay ni Kuya via the first ever PBB Teen Edition. On his birthday last March 7, he was in Cebu for a basketball tournament with friends Matt Evans, Rayver Cruz, Arron Villaflor, Jason Abalos and others.
According to him, having a new house is very fulfilling because he sees where his hard-earned money is going. “Nawawala ang pagod ko kapag nakikita ko yung bagong bahay ko.” He looks forward to moving to his new house soon.
Gerald’s role as David Garcia, Jr. in “Tayong Dalawa,” is actually his dream role, he said. He hopes to be able to shoot a movie after “Tayong Dalawa” but first, he needs a vacation and he plans to go to Hong Kong for this.
In June, Gerald will fly to the US for the Star Magic Extravaganza, and will go to Italy in July for other shows, and Canada for some shows as well in the last quarter of 2009.
Of course, Gerald’s tandem with Kim Chiu known as Kimerald is getting stronger than ever.
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Kris Aquino to host
‘Pinoy Bingo Night’
Kris Aquino, dubbed the “Queen of Game Shows,” has a new job: As host of the newest and literally, the biggest game show in ABS-CBN, “Pinoy Bingo Night,” which premieres today, March 30. It will be aired before “TV Patrol” and after “Hot Shot.”  Kris, for sure, will bring her expertise and charming candidness to the show.
There will be 402 studio players who’ll vie for over R2 million every weeknight inside the most hi-tech set ever in the history of game shows in the country, while home viewers also get a chance to win as a lucky televiewer will win an instant prize daily.
Joining Kris in “Pinoy Bingo Night” are Mel Feliciano and Brod Pete, who play the roles of “commissioner” and “bingo caller,” respectively.
Mel is the former choreographer of ’90s dance group “Solid Gold Dancers” who is now a floor director for ABS-CBN game shows like “Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal,” and “The Singing Bee.” He is tasked to look over the studio audience participants and verify their “Bingo” claims.
Brod Pete, meanwhile, is one of the country’s most recognized and respected comedians. The witty funny man is expected to call the numbers the way Filipinos normally do in malls, carnivals, and in homes. He aims to infuse more of the Filipino flavor to “Pinoy Bingo Night,” which is the Philippine version of America’s “National Bingo Night.”
To join “Pinoy Bingo Night,” you may register at http://pbn.abs-cbn.com/ or through SMS. Simply key in PBN Last Name/First Name/Age/Gender/Address and send to    2366.
Applicants may also drop their entries containing the information above in drop boxes located at the ABS-CBN compound along Mother Ignacia St., Quezon City.

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Pagsanjan Bangkero Festival

Pagsanjan Mayor Jeorge (ER Ejercito) Estregan, Jr. announced recently the activities of the 11th Pagsanjan Bangkero Festival which runs from March 31 to April 4. The actor-turned-politician said with the theme “Turismo Mismo: Ugat ng Pagkakaisa, Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran,” the events will highlight the important role of local tourism for economic development.
Events in the five-day festival include the traditional regatta, a fluvial and land float parade, street dancing competition, drum & lyre band contest, “Palarong Bangkero,” native games and the Lakan at Bb. Pagsanjan Pageant among others.
The good mayor said the festival is a tribute to the skilled boatmen who shoot the rapids at the Pagsanjan River all the way to the world-famous Pagsanjan Falls which has been a top tourist destination for decades now.
On the cultural and entertainment front, there will be the Battle of the Bands, and special performances by the world-renowned Bayanihan Dance Co., the Shirley Halili-Cruz School of Ballet, Douglas Nierras’ Powerdance, and the Sining Katutubo Dance Assembly.
The festival culminates on April 4 with a municipal program, indigenous boarman games, boat race, fluvial parade competition, a San Miguel Beer night and the Search for Ginoong Bangkero 2009.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, March 30, go to artist Al Perez, Viana Fores, Gen. Romeo Maganto, Jennifer Pena, Marilou Custodio, Gilbert Brown, Pros Antonio, Paul Daquiz, Luz de Guzman, Capt. Juan Santos Ruis, Clenia Dumanche, Jean Gonzalez, Tito A. Lagana, Sr., Taiwan-based Rolita Villanueva Wang, Antonio dela Luna and Alice Ma. S. Labao…